Spanish star Juan Mata scored to fire the Blues within four points of City with a game in hand

Rafa Benitez insisted Chelsea are ready to pounce if the two Manchester clubs continue to falter in the title race.

A Juan Mata goal gave the Blues victory at Norwich to complete a hat-trick of Premier League wins.

With both United and City dropping points over Christmas, Chelsea are now only four points behind the reigning champions with a game in hand.

Their title prospects could have been even better if Manchester United had lost to Newcastle as they remain 11 points out in front.

But the interim coach said: “We cannot have any influence on other games, we have to do our job and we cannot be frustrated at other results.

“The message is very clear – if we can improve our team and keep winning games, we will have our chance. I feel we are doing well in the last month, growing, progressing, we can manage different types of games and still get results, which could be really important.

“If they keep winning games, OK, you can do nothing, but we can improve and that will be the main thing for us.”

Benitez reserved special praise for his fellow Spaniard after his 13th goal of the season.

Julian Finney

Winner: Juan Mata celebrates scoring his goal

“Mata is a player who is very dangerous getting into the box and also outside the box so we are very pleased with him,” he said.

“The Premier League has a lot of good players and Mata is one of the best, for sure.”

Benitez was less forthcoming about the futures of Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole, who are both out of contract next summer and can talk to foreign clubs from New Year’s Day.

The two England stars are targets of LA Galaxy and PSG respectively and are set to leave at the end of the season.

“From my position it is very easy – it is a private conversation between Frank and the club,” said Benitez.

“He is a player who is under contract, he is a good player and I will try to bring the best from him. That is my position.

“Each player is obviously an individual situation, so I don’t know if Ashley has had a conversation with the club. For me they are players under contract, they are good players and I will use them if necessary.”